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Militants Killed; Operations Disrupted in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, May 11, 2008  Several militants were killed and eight were detained during two separate coalition operations to disrupt militant operations in Khowst and Helmand provinces yesterday.

Afghan and coalition forces performed a search of several compounds in Sabari district, in Khowst province, targeting a militant cell conducting IED operations. The targeted individuals are known to have been involved in the Jan. 1 IED attack in Danda Fakiran, in Sabari district, which killed two civilians and the December 2007 kidnapping and murder of another civilian.

During the course of the operation, several armed militants were killed when they attacked the joint force. Afghan and coalition forces detained eight individuals, including the head of the targeted cell.

In addition, several AK-47s, a shotgun, magazines, ammunition vests, and a grenade were discovered on the compounds and removed or destroyed to prevent their future use.

In a separate operation, coalition forces conducted a search of compounds in Garmsir district, in Helmand province. The target of the operation was a Taliban insurgent associated with procuring and smuggling various machine guns and assault rifles.

In earlier operations, several militants were killed and nine were detained May 9 during a coalition operation against militants in Nangarhar province. Coalition forces searched compounds in the Shinwar district, targeting a foreign-fighter network. Militants in the same area recently had engaged coalition forces.

During the operation, several militants were killed when they attacked coalition forces. Nine militants suspected of facilitating foreign fighters were detained. In addition, coalition forces discovered several AK-47 rifles, a bolt-action rifle, ammunition, and grenades on the compounds. These items were destroyed.

Elsewhere May 9, Afghan and coalition forces detained two militants in an operation to degrade their activities in Khowst province. Afghan and coalition forces searched compounds in Nadar Shahkot district targeting a militant network facilitating the use of improvised explosive devices.